Your phone is unlocked, you hand it to a friend to show a photo, and suddenly your messages, banking app and email are all within their reach. Locking individual apps adds a second layer of privacy for exactly these moments. Our GetMyPassword team explains how to lock an app on your phone, on both iPhone and Android, and which apps are worth protecting.
Why lock individual apps
A screen lock protects your phone from strangers, but not from the people you hand it to. An app lock requires a separate Face ID, fingerprint or PIN to open specific apps, so even an unlocked phone keeps your banking, messages and photos private. It is ideal for shared devices, curious kids, or simply peace of mind.
On iPhone
Recent versions of iOS let you lock or hide individual apps directly: press and hold the app icon, then choose Require Face ID (or Touch ID). For apps without that option, many banking and messaging apps have a built-in lock in their own settings, and Screen Time can restrict access with a passcode.
On Android
- Built-in App Lock: Samsung, Xiaomi and others include one in Settings under Security or Privacy.
- App pinning: pin one app to the screen so it cannot be exited without your PIN.
- In-app locks: many banking and chat apps offer their own lock in settings.
- A trusted third-party app lock if your phone has no built-in option.
What is worth locking
You do not need to lock everything — just what is sensitive. Prioritize banking and payment apps, messages, email, photos and your password manager. These hold the data you would least want a borrower, or a thief with your unlocked phone, to browse through.
A screen lock keeps strangers out; an app lock keeps everyone else honest. It is the difference between protecting your phone and protecting what is actually inside it.
Pair it with strong passwords
An app lock guards the app on your device; a strong password guards the account everywhere else. Use both: lock your sensitive apps, and give each account a unique password from our password generator, stored in a locked password manager. Together they protect your data whether your phone is in your hand or in someone else’s.
Frequently asked questions
How do I lock an app on my iPhone?
On recent iOS versions, press and hold the app icon and choose “Require Face ID” or Touch ID. For other apps, check the app’s own settings for a built-in lock, or use Screen Time to restrict access with a passcode.
How do I lock apps on Android?
Many Android phones such as Samsung and Xiaomi have a built-in App Lock in Settings under Security or Privacy. You can also use app pinning, an app’s own in-app lock, or a trusted third-party app lock.
Which apps should I lock?
Focus on sensitive ones: banking and payment apps, messages, email, photos and your password manager. There is no need to lock everything — just the apps holding data you would not want others to see.